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Be Red Cross Ready

A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least 1 inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Every thunderstorm produces lightning, which kills more people each year than tornadoes or hurricanes. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding and high winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages.

Thunderstorm Safety Checklist
Severe Thunderstorm Watch—Severe thunderstorms are possible in and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.

Know the Difference

Every year people are killed or seriously injured by severe thunderstorms despite advance warning. While some did not hear the warning, others heard the warning and did not pay attention to it. The following information, combined with timely watches and warnings about severe weather, may help save lives.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning—Severe weather has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property.

How can I prepare ahead of time?

What should I do during a thunderstorm?

What do I do after a thunderstorm?

Ë Discuss thunderstorm safety with all members of your household.

Ë Learn about your local community’s emergency warning system for severe thunderstorms.

Ë Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for emergency updates. Watch for signs of a storm, like darkening skies, lightning flashes or increasing wind. Ë Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are likely to occur. Many people struck by lightning are not in the area where rain is occurring.

Ë Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail. Ë Make a list of items to bring inside in the event of a severe thunderstorm. Ë Make trees and shrubbery more wind resistant by keeping them trimmed and removing damaged branches.

Ë If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, take shelter in a substantial building or in a vehicle with the windows closed. Get out of mobile homes that can blow over in high winds.

Ë Protect your animals by ensuring that any outside buildings that house them are protected in the same way as your home. Ë Consult your local fire department if you are considering installing lightning rods. Ë Get trained in first aid and learn how to respond to emergencies.

Ë If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be in danger from lightning. If thunder roars, go indoors! The National Weather Service recommends staying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder clap.

Ë Do not take a bath, shower or use plumbing. Ë If you are driving, try to safely exit the roadway and park. Stay in the vehicle and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rain ends. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that conduct electricity in and outside the vehicle. Ë If you are outside and cannot reach a safe building, avoid high ground; water; tall, isolated trees; and metal objects such as fences or bleachers. Picnic shelters, dugouts and sheds are NOT safe.

Ë Check the person for burns and other injuries. If the person has stopped breathing, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR. If the person is breathing normally, look for other possible injuries and care for them as necessary. People who have been struck by lightning do not retain an electrical charge and can be handled safely.

If your community has experienced a disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site available through RedCross.org to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866-GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.